Lost California Drivers License: Guide . Get your Appointment Online

What procedures must be followed in California in order to replace a lost or stolen driver's license?

If your California driver's license has been misplaced or stolen, you must apply for a replacement in person at your nearby DMV office; ideally, you should schedule an appointment beforehand. You can pick up an application for a driver's license or identification card at your nearby DMV office or request one be mailed to you by calling (800) 777-0133.

Unless there are custody plans in place, both parents must sign applications for applicants who are under the age of 18. In that case, the custodial adult's signature is sufficient.

The same paperwork and forms that you used to apply for your initial license must be brought with you. The options indicating that your license has been lost or stolen must be checked this time, though.

What is the procedure in California for requesting a duplicate driver's license?

At your neighborhood DMV office, you must complete the following steps if you need to apply for a duplicate driver's license in California:

Verify your picture, Social Security number, and provide documentation of your residency and identity. Depending on whether you're applying for a standard, non-compliant license or a REAL ID, the required paperwork will change.
Pay the required fee. Personal checks, money orders, debit cards, but not credit cards, are all accepted at the California DMV. The following are the fees:
- Driver's license class C: $41.
- Commercial Category C: $39.
- Business Class A or B: $39.
- Take a thumbprint of yourself.
Unless you are a new resident of the state and have lost your prior out-of-state driver's license, you won't need to retake any tests.

An interim license (or a receipt, if you're applying for a replacement ID card) that is good for 60 days will be given to you before you leave the DMV office.

Ensure your correct address is on file with the CA DMV because they will mail your replacement license within 60 days of receiving your application. Call (800) 777-0133 to check on the status if you haven't received your duplicate license or ID card within that time frame.

What dangers exist in California when driving without a license?

Driving without a license is against the law in California. It is strongly advised not to drive at all if you have lost your license and have not yet applied for a replacement or temporary license, or if you are out of the country when you lose your license or ID. If you are caught driving without a license, you may be subject to fines and other legal repercussions.

If driving is unavoidable, you might want to order a copy of your driving record to keep in your car, which will show the status of your license at the time. The law enforcement officer has the final say on whether to accept this as sufficient proof of licensure. It does not ensure that legal issues won't arise. As a result, whenever possible, it is strongly advised to refrain from driving without a license.

How do I report a license or ID that has been lost or stolen in California?

In California, you fill out an application for a duplicate license and indicate on the form whether your license was lost or stolen to report a lost or stolen driver's license or ID. This method of reporting the incident is deemed sufficient by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (CA DMV).

Although it is not required by California state law, it can be advantageous to report a stolen license to law enforcement. In the event that someone tries to use your license fraudulently, including for identity theft, having a formal report of the theft can serve as legal documentation.

It is advised to get in touch with your neighborhood police department or law enforcement organization for details on reporting requirements.

If I move to California, enlist in the military, or lose my California license, how do I get a new one?

Depending on your circumstance, the procedure to replace a lost California driver's license varies:

Residents of California who are out-of-state or who are abroad: Regrettably, you cannot get a new license until you come back to California. In-person replacements are required.

Military ID Replacement: When replacing a lost California driver's license or ID, active-duty military personnel serving outside of California may use their military identification cards as proof of identity. However, you must still complete this procedure in person at a nearby DMV office.

If you are a new resident of California and misplace your out-of-state driver's license while relocating here, you can apply for a new California driver's license rather than transferring your out-of-state license. You'll have to present identification documents like your birth certificate and social security card. California will require you to have a driver's permit and pass a road skills test before issuing a license if you are unable to show proof of a prior license.

Keep in mind that each case will have more detailed information that can be found in the California driver's license guides. Visit the page on applying for a California teen driver's license if you are under the age of 18. Visit the page on how to apply for an adult driver's license in California if you are over 18 years old.

How do I get a California replacement for a lost commercial driver's license?

You must submit a Commercial Driver License Application to replace a lost commercial driver's license in California. A commercial driver's license replacement procedure is largely similar to that of a regular driver's license replacement. You may need to have your thumbprint taken, present the required identification and proof of residency, pay the necessary fees, and more. The guide to replacing a California CDL contains more specific information on replacing a commercial driver's license.